Hello Folks
We’ve enjoyed two Bank Holiday Weekends and a heatwave. I hope you are all keeping well, keeping cool and staying hydrated.
You may recall that last time I mentioned that long-time GRES member John Thorpe who lived in Luton (Chatham) had sadly passed away during April and a memorial service was arranged for Friday 22 May at 11.30 at Christchurch, Chatham. Ella and I plus Howard and his wife Sue were able to attend to represent GRES and that was appreciated by the family. Attached is a photo of one of the ‘celebration’ posters on display showing an image of John.
Following my postponed Time for a PEP talk – part two on Tuesday 5th May, we had an interesting and entertaining meeting on Thursday 28th, when The B17 Locomotive Trust delivered a talk about the project to build a new B17 locomotive – as all of the real locomotives were swiftly scrapped by the early 1960s. Sharing a similar design to the A3 locomotives, the Great Eastern needed a lighter locomotive suitable for the reduced loading gauge. Also, while many locomotives were named after stately homes, a good number were named after local football teams. However, does anyone know why one was not named after ‘Ipswich Town’? Although we had a reasonable attendance, and many of those present supported their sales stand, it was a shame that more members did not attend this talk as it was indeed entertaining and rich in history, engineering and determination. During June, July and August we move to just one meeting each month before returning to two meetings in September.
Here’s another reminder to invite your friends and family to subscribe to our new and improved Facebook site. If you have yet to do so, we would also like you to please subscribe and spread the word: https://www.facebook.com/people/GRES-Gravesend-Railway-Enthusiasts-Society/61552508150631/
We have less than 20 of our glorious Southern-green liveried GRES wagons in OO Gauge to celebrate 50 years of GRES model railway exhibitions remaining. These include an individually numbered certificate signed by Ella plus a brief history of our exhibitions and would make a great present for a railway enthusiast or someone with an interest in Gravesham 😊. While the standard price is £19.99, current GRES members can obtain their wagon(s) for only £14.99 each.
Next GRES meeting and Family Day:
Tuesday 2nd June – Henry Harryman will tell us all about Roosendaal station, which promises to be an interesting talk. So, join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).
Sunday 21st June – GRES Family Day, Higham Memorial Hall, School Lane, Higham, ME3 7JL (Saturday: 10am – 4pm). Adult – £3 (including up to two free U16s), Family – £6 (including up to four free U16s). Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays. GRES Family day 21st June 2026 – Welcome to GRES
This is a fantastic opportunity to publicise GRES to the residents of Gravesham, Medway and surrounding areas, and provide great family entertainment. Thanks to those of you who have offered to help – in the car park, on the door, providing general stewarding to our guests and other tasks. If you have not yet come forward, we would value your assistance, even if it’s just 30 minutes – every little helps!
Future GRES dates for your diaries:
Tuesday 7th July – We have an opportunity to spend an evening with James Willis and Jeremy Washington as they provide a presentation like no other. What will they talk about? Well, there’s only one way to find out. Join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).
Saturday 5th September – With so much involving GRES members during June and July, the GRES (Tom Fletcher) Annual Outing the planned outing to the Mid-Hants Railway (Watercress Line) has moved.
At this stage, it would be helpful to know the following:
- Are you likely to attend?
- Would you be happy to travel from Gravesend to Alton, via Waterloo, by train instead of by coach?
- Would you like provision for a meal after the visit to the Mid-Hants Railway, before heading home?
Please ask if you have any questions. More details to follow soon.
Saturday 24th October – The date of our Model Railway Exhibition for 2026. Northfleet School for Girls are unable to host our usual exhibition at the beginning of November 2026, so this year we are holding a one-day exhibition at St George’s Church Hall, Church Street, Gravesend, DA11 0DJ. Put the date in your diary if you have not already done so. More details over the coming months. GRES Exhibition 24th October 2026 – Welcome to GRES
Any assistance that you can give at the GRES Family Day or GRES Model Railway Exhibition would be gratefully accepted – such as: monitoring the car park, looking after the pay desk, stewarding. If you are able to help, even for a short time, please advise me or Iain MacTaggart at a GRES meeting or on exhibition.manager@gres.org.uk
For those who like their toyfairs, model railway exhibitions and big events, please note the following:
Saturday 13th – Maidstone Toyfair, Lockmeadow, Maidstone, ME16 8LW (Saturday: 9am – 3pm). Adults – £4. Many trade stands plus other displays.
Saturday 13th – Billericay Model Railway Group Exhibition, Hannakins Farm, Community Centre, Roseby Avenue, Billericay, CM12 0XP (10am – 4pm). Adults – £5, Children 5-15 – £3, Concession – £4.50, Family – £13. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available
Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July – The Kent County Show, Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF (8am – 6pm). Adults – £26 (in advance – £23), Accompanied 5-15s – £8 (in advance £6), Family – £65 (in advance £55). This is the flagship event for farming, agriculture and rural life in Kent, showcasing the very best of what the ‘Garden of England’ has to offer. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available.
Once again, Iain MacTaggart has secured a pitch at The Kent County Show, which allows GRES to reach out to more people visiting from across Kent and beyond. So, he would like assistance over those three days and, of course, as a willing helper you would obtain free entry and be able to look around the event during breaks. If you would like to help on the GRES stand, please contact Iain.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday 2nd June and at the GRES Family Day on Sunday 21st June. Please ask if you have any questions.
Regards
George Marcar (for GRES Committee)
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